Subunits of the adenovirus fiber protein and uses thereof as vaccines

ABSTRACT

A nucleic acid sequence encoding a fragment of the adenovirus fiber capsid protein, a DNA construct including a replicable expression vector and at least one heterologous nucleic acid, and recombinant protein including fragment of the adenovirus fiber cpasid protein. The fragment comprises the C-terminal knob and part of the shaft domain of the fiber protein of these adenoviruses. The use of recombinant proteins as an active ingredient in vaccinating compositions for conferring to an animal immunity against a pathogenic infection by an adenovirus, and methods for vaccinating a domestic bird against a pathogenic adenoviral infection.

This application is a §371 National Stage of PCT International Application No. PCT/IL2003/000169, filed Mar. 4, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a fragment of the adenovirus fiber capsid protein, which fragment comprises the C-terminal knob domain and part of the shaft domain. The invention further relates to DNA constructs comprising said DNA fragment, to recombinant proteins encoded thereby, and more particularly, their use as vaccinating compositions against adenovirus pathogenic infections.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the most important economic goals in the poultry industry is to minimize losses caused by infectious diseases by means of effective vaccines. Among the prominent virus pests are avian adenoviruses which cause various diseases in poultry. Adenoviruses are double-stranded DNA viruses with a genome in the range of 25-45 kb [Jucker et al., J. General. Virol. 77:469-479 (1996)]. The virus consists of 11 proteins with molecular weights ranging from 14kD to 97kD [Nazerian, K., et al., Avian Dis. 35:572-578 (1991)]. The polypeptide 97kD, hexon, is a monomer of the major outer capsid. Other capsid proteins include the structural protein penton, and fiber proteins which are involved in the interaction with cell receptors during virus penetration into the cell.

One of the main diseases in turkeys is caused by the avian adenovirus Hemorrhagic Enteritis virus(HEV). The virus suppresses elements of the immune system by destroying B cells and macrophages. As a result, the immune response to diseases is decreased, as well as the effectiveness of response to various vaccines. The disease is especially prevalent during the ages 7-9 weeks [Domermuth, C. H. and Gross, W. B., 1984 Diseases of poultry, Iowa State University press, Ames, Iowa, 8th Edition (1984) pp. 511-516] when the birds are no longer protected by maternal antibodies [Van den Hurk, J. V., Avian Dis. 30:662-671 (1986); Harris, J. R., and Domermuth, C. H., Avian Dis. 21:120-122 (1977); Fadly, A. M., and Nazerian K., Avian Dis., 33:778-786 (1989)]. Heavy financial losses result from outbreaks of HEV, with its symptoms of weight loss and mortality. Furthermore, outbreaks of other diseases can follow as result of lowered resistance.

Another poultry disease caused by an adenovirus, is the egg drop syndrome. The virus was detected in 1976 [Van Eck, J. H. H. F. G. Davelaar, T. A. M., Avian Pathol., 5:261-272 (1976)], and is designated as strain 127 [McCracken, R. M. and McFerran, J. B., Avian Pathol, 7:483-490 (1978)]. The Egg Drop Syndrome virus leads to creation of eggs having a thinner shell or to shell-less eggs. These phenomena cause a significant reduction in egg production throughout the world and therefore lead to economic losses [McFerran, J. B., Rowley, H. M., McNulty, M. S., and Montgomery, L. J., Avian Pathol., 6:405-413 (1997)]. The virus is transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected fowl. The main way the virus spreads is by vertical transmission, from hen to eggs, which can be prevented only by keeping uninfected flocks as a source for further breeding. There is no successful treatment of the disease.

A conventional vaccination against HEV is made either by inactivated virus, or by a live vaccine of low virulence, for example by an attenuated virus [Fadly and Nazerian (1989)]. The live vaccines may show a disadvantage of antigenic coverage not identical to the virulent strain. On the other hand, the commercially available inactivated vaccines may expose the animals to an unnecessary wide range of antigens. Another vaccination against EDS has been also described [Baxendale, W., Lutticken, D., Hein, R., and McPherson, I., Avia Pathol., 9:77-91 (1980); Solyom, F., Nemesi, M., Forgacs, A., Balla, E., and Perenyi, T., Dev. Biol. Stand., 51:105-121 (1982)]. It is performed at the age 14-16 weeks by inactivated vaccine in oil adjuvant, and it confers one-year protection against clinical symptoms. The use of attenuated vaccines, and even inactivated ones, always bears a danger due to the possibility that the inactivation may be incomplete, or that the mild, attenuated virus will revert to virulence.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a safe vaccine against HEV and against EDS that eliminates the danger of an outbreak of the disease which is inherent to the use of live or inactivated vaccines, as a result of reversion of the virus to virulence, or its incomplete inactivation. It is a further object of this invention to protect poultry against a wide antigenic range of the virulent field viruses. Another purpose of this invention is to prevent unnecessary exposure of the birds to non-relevant antigens during the vaccination.

There is an additional problem in a conventional vaccination against HEV; the heavy expenditure involved in relying on spleen tissue from live turkeys for propagation of the virus in large quantities. The inactivated vaccines used at present against HEV are expensive and involve mass infection of birds in order to isolate the virus from the spleen.

Recombinant technology enabled construction of new vaccines. Efficacy of immunization by the recombinant virus has been reported for a number of disease-causing viruses. The infection of birds by the recombinant virus, that expresses the protein haemaglutinin of Avian Influenza, provided protection to birds exposed to this disease [Taylor. J., et al., Vaccine 6:504-508 (1988); Tripathy, D. N., and Wittek. R., Avian Dis. 34:218-220 (1990)]. The immunization of birds with recombinant FPV, into which the gene of the HN protein of the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) had been inserted, induced production of antibodies which protected them against the disease (Edbauer C., et al., Virology, 179:901-904 (1990)]. Furthermore, it was found that the birds which had been immunized with this recombinant virus developed resistance to NDV without any decrease in the resistance to FPV [Ogawa, R., et al., Vaccine 8: 486-490 (1990)]. Recombinants of this sort are effective for the delivery of vaccines to birds [Schnitzlein W. M., et al., Virus Res. 10: 65-76 (1988)]. Evidently, protecting against two diseases by one vaccine makes vaccination considerably cheaper.

In developing a poultry vaccine, a number of factors concerning the poultry industry must be taken into account. Since the price of a single bird is relatively very low, one of the most important factors is the cost of the vaccine. A vaccination by a subunit viral protein might be an inexpensive approach. This approach would also eliminate the said danger of reversion to virulence, since a subunit vaccine cannot replicate. Another advantage would be elimination of unnecessary exposure to a variety of antigens. The effectiveness of subunit viral vaccines has been tested in the inventors' laboratory on Infectious Bursal Disease virus, whose VP2 was expressed in baculovirus expression system, and it conferred full protection against the disease [Pitcovski. J., et al., Avian Dis. 40:753-761 (1996)]. Other subunit vaccines have been found efficient, including vaccine against hepatitis B in humans.

Subunit vaccine against EDS virus based on the fiber protein, have been previously reported by the inventors Fingerut, E., B. Gutter, G. Gallili, A. Michael, and J. Pitcovski. 2001. Development of a subunit vaccine to EDS. In: XXXVIII Ann. Conv. World Poultry Sci. Assoc. (Hebrew).

In this publication, the present inventors describe creation of recombinant EDS fiber protein and use thereof as vaccine against EDS. However, as shown by the following Examples, and particularly in Example 5 the vaccine of the present invention which is based on a specific fragment of the fiber protein, is significantly more efficient as an anti-EDS vaccine (33% vs. 100% virus neutralization). The Fiber fragment used in the present invention comprises the knob domain and part of the N′ terminal shaft domain of the fiber protein. Interestingly, use of the corresponding fragment in another avian adenovirus, HEV as exemplified in the present invention (Examples 1 to 3), efficiently protects treated birds against HEV. Therefore, the particular use of certain fragments of the fiber protein in the recombinant protein of the invention leads to development of an efficient anti-adenovirus vaccine.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide subunit vaccines against adenoviruses. Such vaccinating compositions comprise as an active ingredient recombinant protein comprising a fragment of the fiber protein of any adenovirus. This specific recombinant protein is capable of eliciting a protective immunity in any infected animal, against said adenoviral pathogen. More specifically, the recombinant protein of the invention is intended for vaccinating human or any domestic animal against adenoviral infection. For example, particular object of this invention is to protect poultry against two economically main diseases, HEV and EDS, by producing immunogenic proteins of both EDS virus and HE virus as subunit vaccines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a fragment of the adenovirus fiber capsid protein which is capable of binding to the target cell. The fragment according to the present invention comprises the C-terminal knob domain and at least 10 to 100 amino acids of the shaft domain of the adenovirus fiber protein, which is immediately N′ terminal adjacent to said knob domain. Preferably, the nucleic acid sequence of the invention encodes a fragment comprising the C-terminal knob domain and at least 20 to 60 amino acids of the shaft domain of said adenovirus fiber protein.

According to another specific embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence according to the invention encodes a fragment of the fiber protein of any one of HEV (Hemorrhagic enteritis virus) or EDS (Egg drop syndrome virus).

A specifically preferred embodiment relates to the nucleic acid sequence according to the invention, wherein said adenovirus is HEV (Hemorrhagic enteritis virus). In this embodiment, the fragment encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of the invention comprises the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 48 amino acids of the shaft domain of the HEV fiber capsid protein. Preferably, in this embodiment the nucleic acid sequence is substantially as denoted by SEQ ID NO: 1 or functional homologues and fragments thereof.

In another specifically preferred embodiment, the adenovirus is EDS (Egg drop syndrome virus). In this embodiment, the fragment encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of the invention comprises the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 34 amino acids of the shaft domain of the EDS fiber capsid protein. Preferably, in this embodiment the nucleic acid sequence is substantially as denoted by SEQ ID NO: 2 or functional homologues and fragments thereof.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a DNA construct comprising a replicable expression vector and at least one heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a fragment of the adenovirus fiber capsid protein. The fragment according to the present invention comprises the C-terminal knob domain and at least 10 to 100 amino acids of the shaft domain of the adenovirus fiber protein, which is immediately adjacent to the N terminal end of said knob domain. Preferably, this fragment comprises the C-terminal knob domain and at least 20 to 60 amino acids of the shaft domain of said adenovirus fiber protein.

According to one particular embodiment of this aspect, the DNA construct according to of the present invention comprises nucleic acid sequence coding for the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 48 amino acids of the shaft domain of HEV fiber capsid protein. Preferably this sequence is substantially as denoted by SEQ ID NO: 1 or functional homologues and fragments thereof.

In yet another particularly specific embodiment the DNA construct according to of the present invention comprises nucleic acid sequence coding for the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 34 amino acids of the shaft domain of EDS fiber capsid protein. Preferably, this sequence is substantially as denoted by SEQ ID NO: 2 or functional homologues and fragments thereof.

In another embodiment the DNA construct according to the invention, wherein said expression vector may be any expression vector, preferably selected from the group consisting of Fowlpox virus, vaccinia virus, Marek disease virus, baculovirus and bacterial yeast and plants plasmids.

One specifically preferred expression vector may be the bacterial plasmid pAL-781 having the restriction map as set forth in FIG. 6. Other preferred expression vectors are the yeast plasmids pPIC3.5K and pHIL-S1. In another preferred embodiment, the expression vector may the Fowlpox virus.

Another aspect relates to a host cell transformed with the DNA construct of the present invention. The host cell according to one embodiment may be any one of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell. More particularly, the host cell according to the present invention may be any one of bacterial cell, yeast cell, an insect cell or a plant cell. According to one specific embodiment, the host cell of the invention may be an insect cell, preferably, the Spodoptera frugiperda. In another embodiment, the host cell of the invention may be a yeast cell, preferably the Pichia pastoris. In yet another embodiment, the host cell of the invention may be bacterial cell, preferably E. coli.

The host cell according to this embodiment produces the biologically active protein fragment of the invention. Such protein fragment is encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of the invention and elicits protective immunity against a specific adenoviral pathogen, in an animal.

As a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a recombinant protein comprising a fragment of the adenovirus fiber capsid protein. This fragment comprises the C-terminal knob domain and at least 10 to 100 amino acids of the shaft domain immediately adjacent to said knob domain of the adenovirus fiber protein. Preferably, this fragment comprises the C-terminal knob domain and at least 20 to 60 amino acids of the shaft domain of said adenovirus fiber protein.

According to one particular embodiment of this aspect, the recombinant protein of the invention comprises a fragment of the fiber protein of any one of HEV (Hemorrhagic enteritis virus) or EDS (Egg drop syndrome virus).

In specific embodiment, the recombinant protein according to of the present invention comprises the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 48 amino acids of the shaft domain of HEV fiber capsid protein. Preferably, this recombinant protein comprises the amino acid sequence substantially as denoted by SEQ ID NO: 3, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or functional homologues and fragments thereof.

In yet another specifically preferred embodiment, the adenovirus is EDS (Egg drop syndrome virus). In this embodiment, the recombinant protein of the invention comprises the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 34 amino acids of the shaft domain of the EDS fiber capsid protein. Preferably, in this embodiment the amino acid sequence is substantially as denoted by SEQ ID NO: 4, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or functional homologues and fragments thereof.

The recombinant protein of the invention is capable of eliciting in an animal protective immunity against a specific viral pathogen. More particularly, the animal may be any one of human and domestic animal.

According to one embodiment, the protein of the invention is capable of eliciting in a domestic animal protective immunity against a specific adenoviral pathogen. Preferably, the domestic animal may be a domestic bird selected from the group consisting of chicken, ducks, geese, quails, pheasants and turkeys. Such adenoviral pathogen according to the invention may be any adenovirus. As a non-limiting example, such adeno-virus may be selected from the group consisting of HEV (Hemorrhagic enteritis virus), EDS (Egg drop syndrome virus), Celo and human adenoviruses: serotypes 1-8, 11, 14, 19, 21, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41. Most preferred are the avian adenoviruses HEV and EDS.

In one particular embodiment, the recombinant protein of the invention is capable of eliciting in a turkey protective immunity against a specific adenoviral pathogen, preferably, HEV.

In another particular example, the recombinant protein of the invention is capable of eliciting in a chicken protective immunity against a specific adenoviral pathogen, preferably, EDS virus.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a vaccinating composition for conferring to an animal immunity against a pathogenic infection by an adenovirus. This composition comprises as active ingredient an immunologically effective amount of at least one of the recombinant proteins of the invention. This composition may optionally further comprise veterinarily acceptable carrier, adjuvant, diluent and/or excipient.

In one embodiment of the present aspect, the vaccinating composition of the invention may optionally further comprise at least one other protein capable of conferring to an animal immunity against pathogenic infection by another adenovirus.

According to another embodiment, the vaccinating composition of the invention is intended for conferring to an animal immunity against a pathogenic infection by an adenovirus. This composition comprises as active ingredient an immunologically effective amount of at least one of the DNA constructs of the invention. Alternatively, the composition of the invention may comprise as active ingredient an immunologically effective amount of at least one of the nucleic acid sequences of the invention.

The vaccinating composition of the invention is intended for conferring to an animal immunity against a pathogenic infection by any adenovirus. Moreover, this composition is intended to prevent pathogenic infection of an animal by any adenovirus. As non-limiting example, such adenoviral pathogen may be selected from the group consisting of HEV (Hemorrhagic enteritis virus), EDS (Egg drop syndrome virus), Celo and human adenoviruses: serotypes 1-8, 11, 14, 19, 21, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41 preferably, HEV and EDS.

The vaccinating composition of the invention is useful for any animal, such as humans or domestic animals. In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the invention is useful for vaccinating domestic animals, preferably, domestic birds. Such domestic birds may be selected from the group consisting of chicken, turkeys, geese, ducks, pheasants, quails, pigeons and ostriches.

According to a specific example, the vaccinating composition of the invention is intended for conferring protective immunity to a turkey against HEV. This composition comprises as active ingredient an immunologically effective amount of at least one recombinant HEV protein or biologically active fragment thereof.

Another specific example is the vaccinating composition according to the invention, for conferring protective immunity to a chicken against EDS. This composition comprises as active ingredient an immunologically effective amount of at least one recombinant EDS protein or biologically active fragment thereof.

The invention further relates to a method for vaccinating an animal, and preferably a domestic bird, against a pathogenic adenoviral infection. This method comprises administering to said bird an effective immunizing amount of vaccinating composition according to the invention.

Still further, the invention provides for a method for preventing a pathogenic adenoviral infection of an animal, comprising the step of administering to said animal, and preferably to a domestic bird, an effective immunizing amount of vaccinating composition according to the invention.

The methods of the invention may be applicable for vaccinating against any adenovirus. For example, any adenoviral pathogen selected from the group consisting of HEV (Hemorrhagic enteritis virus), EDS (Egg drop syndrome virus), Celo, bovine adenoviruses, canine adenoviruses, any other mammalian adenoviruses and particularly human adenoviruses: serotypes 1-8, 11, 14, 19, 21, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41, preferably, the avian adenoviruses HEV and EDS.

According to specifically preferred embodiment, in cases of HEV infections the method of the invention comprises administering to the bird an effective immunizing amount of vaccinating composition comprising a recombinant HEV protein or biologically active fragments thereof.

According to another specifically preferred embodiment, in cases of EDS infections the method of the invention comprises administering to the poultry an effective immunizing amount of vaccinating composition comprising a recombinant EDS protein or biologically active fragments thereof.

According to the method of the invention, the compositions of the invention may be administered via injection, drinking water, feed, spraying, oral gavage and directly into the digestive tract of said domestic bird.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more readily apparent through the following examples, and with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 Deduced amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 13) and structure of HEV fiber protein. Abbreviations: N′ term. (=amino terminal).

FIG. 2 Release of HEV knob from bacteria and inclusion bodies (i.b) into supernatant. SDS-PAGE stained by Coomassie blue. Molecular size marker (lane 1), Knob in supernatant following release of inclusion bodies (lane 2), Knob in precipitate following release of inclusion bodies (lane 3), Wash solution of i.b that contain knob (lane 4), Supernatant of bacteria that carry the knob gene (lane 5), Supernatant of bacteria that do not carry the knob gene Vane 6), Precipitate after release from i.b from bacteria that do not carry the knob gene (lane 7), Wash solution of i.b that contain knob (lane 8), Supernatant of bacteria that carry the knob gene (lane 9).

FIG. 3 Deduced amino acid sequences (Shaft: SEQ ID NO: 14; Knob: SEQ ID NO: 15) and structure of HEV fiber protein.

FIG. 4 SDS-PAGE stained with coomassie blue to test the release of the E-knob-s into solution. Molecular size marker (lane 1), E-knob-s released into solution (lane 2), Residual precipitate (lane 3), Wash solution of inclusion bodies (lane 4), Lysis solution of bacteria with E-knob-s (lane 5), Lysis solution of bacteria with plasmid without insert (lane 6), Precipitate of bacterial lysis that carry plasmid without insert (lane 7).

FIG. 5 Immunoblot testing the production of anti-EDS antibodies in response to vaccination with various antigens. Nitrocellulose strips containing whole EDS virus extract were incubated with serum of birds that were vaccinated with the following different antigens: commercial anti-EDS (lane 2), pool of 12 sera 21 days post vaccination of birds injected with hexon (lane 3), Pool of 12 sera 35 days post vaccination of birds injected with hexon (lane 4), Pool of 12 sera 21 days post vaccination of birds injected with fiber (lane 5), Pool of 12 sera 21 days post vaccination of birds injected with E-knob-s (lane 6), Pool of 12 sera 35 days post vaccination of birds injected with E-knob-s (lane 7), Pool of 12 sera 21 days post vaccination of unvaccinated birds (negative control) (lane 8), Pool of 12 sera 35 days post vaccination of unvaccinated birds (negative control-lane 9), Pool of 12 sera 21 days post vaccination of birds injected with commercial vaccine (lane 10), Pool of 12 sera 35 days post vaccination of birds injected with commercial vaccine (lane 11), molecular size marker is shown in lane 1.

FIG. 6 Map of the pAL-781 plasmid (invitrogene).

β-Lactamase: bases 201-1-61, ColE1: bases 1300-1880, PL promoter: bases 2159-2187, Ribosome binding site and ATG: bases 2709-2726, Multiple cloning site: bases 2721-2758, aspA transcription terminator: bases 2759-2825. Abbreviations: term. (=terminator).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a fragment of the adenovirus fiber capsid protein which fragment is capable of binding to the target cell. The DNA fragment according to the present invention comprises the C-terminal knob domain and at least 10 to 100 amino acids of the shaft domain of the adenovirus fiber protein. As shown by FIG. 1, the shaft domain is immediately adjacent to the N′terminal end of the knob domain.

In one preferred embodiment the nucleic acid sequence of the invention encodes a fragment comprising the C-terminal knob domain and at least 20 to 60 amino acids of the shaft domain of said adenovirus fiber protein.

According to another specific embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence according to the invention encodes a fragment of the fiber protein of any one of HEV (Hemorrhagic enteritis virus) or EDS (Egg drop syndrome virus).

A specifically preferred embodiment relates to the nucleic acid sequence according to the invention, wherein said adenovirus is HEV (Hemorrhagic enteritis virus). In this embodiment, the polypeptide fragment encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of the invention comprises the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 48 amino acids of the shaft domain of the HEV fiber capsid protein. Preferably, in this embodiment the nucleic acid sequence is substantially as denoted by SEQ ID NO: 1 or functional homologues and fragments thereof.

In another specifically preferred embodiment, the adenovirus is EDS (Egg drop syndrome virus). In this embodiment, the polypeptide fragment encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of the invention comprises the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 34 amino acids of the shaft domain of the EDS fiber capsid protein. Preferably, in this embodiment the nucleic acid sequence is substantially as denoted by SEQ ID NO: 2 or functional homologues and fragments thereof.

It is to be appreciated that deletions, insertions, mutations, replacements or modifications of the DNA sequences of the invention, are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a DNA construct comprising a replicable expression vector and at least one heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a fragment of the adenovirus fiber capsid protein. The fragment according to the present invention comprises the C-terminal knob domain and at least 10 to 100 amino acids of the shaft domain of the adenovirus fiber protein, which is immediately adjacent to the N′ terminal end of the knob domain. Preferably, this fragment comprises the C-terminal knob domain and at least 20 to 60 amino acids of the shaft domain of said adenovirus fiber protein.

Expression vectors for the production of the molecules of the invention include plasmids, phagemids or other vectors. “Vectors”, as used herein, encompass plasmids, viruses, bacteriophages, integratable DNA fragments, and other vehicles, which enable the integration of DNA fragments into the genome of the host. Expression vectors are typically self-replicating DNA or RNA constructs containing the desired gene or its fragments, and operably linked genetic control elements that are recognized in a suitable host cell and effect expression of the desired genes. These control elements are capable of effecting expression within a suitable host. Generally, the genetic control elements can include a prokaryotic promoter system or a eukaryotic promoter expression control system. Such system typically includes a transcriptional promoter, an optional operator to control the onset of transcription, transcription enhancers to elevate the level of RNA expression, a sequence that encodes a suitable ribosome binding site, RNA splice junctions, sequences that terminate transcription and translation and so forth. Expression vectors usually contain an origin of replication that allows the vector to replicate independently of the host cell.

A vector may additionally include appropriate restriction sites, antibiotic resistance or other markers for selection of vector containing cells. Plasmids are the most commonly used form of vector but other forms of vectors which serve an equivalent function and which are, or become, known in the art are suitable for use herein. See, e.g., Pouwels et al. Cloning Vectors: a Laboratory Manual (1985 and supplements), Elsevier, N.Y.; and Rodriquez, et al. (eds.) Vectors: a Survey of Molecular Cloning Vectors and their Uses, Buttersworth, Boston, Mass. (1988), which are incorporated herein by reference.

In general, such vectors contain in addition specific genes, which are capable of providing phenotypic selection in transformed cells. The use of prokaryotic and eukaryotic viral expression vectors to express the nucleic acid sequences coding for the recombinant proteins of the present invention are also contemplated.

The vector is introduced into a host cell by methods known to those of skill in the art. Introduction of the vector into the host cell can be accomplished by any method that introduces the construct into the cell, including, for example, calcium phosphate precipitation, microinjection, electroporation or transformation. See, e.g., Current Protocoles in Molecular Biology, Ausuble, F. M., ed., John Wiley & Sons, N.Y. (1989).

According to one particular embodiment of this aspect, the DNA construct of the invention comprises a nucleic acid sequence coding for the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 48 amino acids of the shaft domain of HEV fiber capsid protein. Preferably, this sequence is substantially as denoted by SEQ ID NO: 1 or functional homologues and fragments thereof.

In yet another particularly specific embodiment, the DNA construct of the invention comprises nucleic acid sequence coding for the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 34 amino acids of the shaft domain of EDS fiber capsid protein. Preferably, this sequence is substantially as denoted by SEQ ID NO: 2 or functional homologues and fragments thereof.

Functional homologous as used herein mean any sequence variations, mutations deletions and the like, encoding the knob domain and part of the shaft domain of a given adenovirus, in a suitable conformation capable of inducing protective immunity in a vaccinated animal, against pathogenic adenoviral infection.

In another embodiment, the said expression vector may be any expression vector, preferably selected from the group consisting of Fowlpox virus, vaccinia virus, Marek disease virus, baculovirus and bacterial yeast and plants plasmids.

One specifically preferred expression vector may be the plasmid pAL-781 having the restriction map as set forth in FIG. 6. Other preferred expression vectors are the yeast plasmids pPIC3.5K and pHIL-S1 (invitrogene). In another preferred embodiment, the expression vector may the Fowlpox virus. Preferred constructs according to the present invention are the HEV knob-s within the pAL-781 plasmid, and the EDS knob-s within the pAL-781 plasmid.

Another aspect relates to a host cell transformed with any one of the DNA constructs of the present invention. Suitable host cells include prokaryotes, lower eukaryotes, and higher eukaryotes. Prokaryotes include gram negative and gram positive organisms, e.g., E. coli and B. subtilis. Lower eukaryotes include yeast, S. cerevisiae and Pichia and species of the genus Dictyostelium.

“Host cell” as used herein refers to cell which can be recombinantly transformed with vectors constructed using recombinant DNA techniques. A drug resistance or other selectable marker is intended in part to facilitate the selection of the transformants. Additionally, the presence of a selectable marker, such as drug resistance marker may be of use in keeping contaminating microorganisms from multiplying in the culture medium. Such a pure culture of the transformed host cells would be obtained by culturing the cells under conditions which require the induced phenotype for survival.

According to one specific embodiment, the host cell of the invention may be an insect cell, preferably, the Spodoptera frugiperda. In another embodiment, the host cell of the invention may be a yeast cell, preferably Pichia pastoris. In yet another embodiment, the host cell of the invention may be a bacterial cell, preferably E. coli. Among bacterial hosts which may be utilized as transformation hosts, E. coli HB2151 cells [k12Δ(lac-pro), ara, nalr, thilF [proAB, lacq, lacZΔM15), (Pharmacia Biotech Inc New Jersey U.S.A)] are particularly useful. Other microbial strains which may be used include other enterobacteria such as Serratia marcescens.

The host cells according to the present invention are capable of producing a biologically active protein fragment of the invention. Such protein fragment is encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of the invention and is capable of eliciting in an animal protective immunity against a specific adenoviral pathogen.

As used to describe the present invention, a “pathogen” is a microorganism causing disease in a host. The pathogenic microorganism infects the host animal and the consequence of such infection is deterioration in the health of the host. Pathogenic microorganisms envisioned by the present invention include, but are not limited to, microorganisms such as viruses, preferably, adenoviruses.

In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a recombinant protein comprising a fragment of the adenovirus fiber capsid protein. This fragment comprises the C-terminal knob domain and at least 10 to 100 amino acids of the shaft domain immediately adjacent to said knob domain of the adenovirus fiber protein. Preferably, this fragment comprises the C-terminal knob domain and at least 20 to 60 amino acids of the shaft domain of said adenovirus fiber protein.

According to one particular embodiment of this aspect, the recombinant protein of the invention comprises a fragment of the fiber protein of any one of HEV (Hemorrhagic enteritis virus) or EDS (Egg drop syndrome virus).

In specific embodiment, the recombinant protein according to the present invention comprises the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 48 amino acids of the shaft domain of HEV fiber capsid protein. Preferably, this recombinant protein comprises the amino acid sequence substantially as denoted by SEQ ID NO: 3, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or functional homologues and fragments thereof.

In yet another specifically preferred embodiment, the adenovirus is EDS (Egg drop syndrome virus). According to this embodiment, the recombinant protein of the invention comprises the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 34 amino acids of the shaft domain of the EDS fiber capsid protein. Preferably, in this embodiment the amino acid sequence is substantially as denoted by SEQ ID NO: 4, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, or functional homologues and fragments thereof.

The recombinant protein of the invention is capable of eliciting in an animal protective immunity against a specific viral pathogen. More particularly, the animal may be any one of humans and domestic animals.

According to one embodiment, the protein of the invention is capable of eliciting in a domestic animal protective immunity against a specific adenoviral pathogen. Preferably, the domestic animal may be a domestic bird selected from the group consisting of chicken, ducks, geese, quails, pheasants and turkeys. Such adenoviral pathogen according to the invention may be any adenovirus. As a non-limiting example, such adeno-virus may be selected, from the group consisting of HEV (Hemorrhagic enteritis virus), EDS (Egg drop syndrome virus), Celo and human adenoviruses: serotypes 1-8, 11, 14, 19, 21, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41. Most preferred are the avian adenoviruses HEV and EDS.

In one particular embodiment, the recombinant protein of the invention is capable of eliciting in a turkey protective immunity against a specific adenoviral pathogen, preferably, HEV.

In another particular example, the recombinant protein of the invention is capable of eliciting in a chicken protective immunity against a specific adenoviral pathogen, preferably, EDS virus.

A process for the production of the recombinant protein or peptide of the invention is also within the scope of the invention. The process comprises the steps of (a) transforming a host cell with the nucleotide sequence of the invention or transfecting a host cell with a DNA construct of the invention; (b) culturing the cells obtained in (a) under conditions in which expression of the protein takes place; and (b) isolating the expressed recombinant protein or peptide from the cell culture or/and the culture supernatant. Evidently, the suitable means to perform such steps are well know to the man of ordinary skill in the art [ThioFusion Expression Systems Version 1.1 Invitrogen Corporation San Diego, Calif. (1995); Pichia Expression Kit, Version 1.8 Invitrogen Corporation San Diego, Calif. (1995); and Pitcovski J. et. al. Avian Disease 40:75-761 (1996)].

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a vaccinating composition for conferring to an animal immunity against a pathogenic infection by an adenovirus. This composition comprises as active ingredient an immunologically effective amount of at least one of the recombinant proteins of the invention. This composition may optionally further comprise veterinarily acceptable carrier, adjuvant, diluent and/or excipient.

As used herein, “effective amount” means an amount necessary to achieve a selected result. For example, an effective amount of the composition of the invention is an amount which confers immunity against pathogenic viral infections.

The vaccinating compositions of the invention generally comprise a buffering agent, an agent which adjusts the osmolarity thereof, and optionally, one or more pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable carriers, excipients and/or additives or adjuvants as known in the art. Supplementary active ingredients can also be incorporated into the compositions. The carrier can be solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), suitable mixtures thereof, and vegetable or mineral oils. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating, such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants.

Similarly, one of skill in the art may readily select other desired components for inclusion in a vaccinating composition of the invention, and such components are not a limitation of the present invention.

As used herein “pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable carrier” includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and anti-fungal agents and the like. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutical active substances is well known in the art. Except as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active ingredient, its use in the veterinary therapeutic composition is contemplated.

Therapeutic formulations may be administered in any conventional dosage formulation. Formulations typically comprise at least one active ingredient, as defined above, together with one or more acceptable carriers thereof.

Each carrier should be pharmaceutically and veterinarily acceptable in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients and not injurious to the treated animal. The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any methods well known in the art of pharmacy and veterinary.

The composition of the invention may be mixed with nutritive feed material or water supplies for the animal. It is contemplated however that the effective composition can either be mixed with the nutritive feed material or water or fed to the animal separately. The effective composition must be provided in an amount effective to confer immunity to an animal and preferably to a domestic bird, against infection caused by a virus. This amount will vary depending upon the size of for example, the domestic bird. Small birds, such as pigeons will require smaller quantities of the effective composition than, for example, turkeys, to vaccinate against viral pathogenic infection. Effective amount can readily be determined by the skilled veterinarian.

In one embodiment of the present aspect, the vaccinating composition of the invention may optionally further comprise at least one other protein capable of conferring to an animal immunity against pathogenic infection by another adenovirus.

According to another embodiment, the vaccinating composition of the invention is intended for conferring to an animal immunity against a pathogenic infection by an adenovirus. This composition comprises as active ingredient an immunologically effective amount of at least one of the DNA constructs of the invention. Alternatively, the composition of the invention may comprise as active ingredient an immunologically effective amount of at least one of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention.

The vaccinating composition of the invention is intended for conferring to an animal immunity against a pathogenic infection by any adenovirus. As a non-limiting example, such adenoviral pathogen may be selected from the group consisting of HEV (Hemorrhagic enteritis virus), EDS (Egg drop syndrome virus), Celo and human adenoviruses: serotypes 1-8, 11, 14, 19, 21, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41 preferably, the avian adenoviruses HEV and EDS.

The vaccinating composition of the invention is applicable for any animal such as human or domestic animal. In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the invention is useful for vaccinating domestic animals, preferably, domestic birds. Such domestic birds may be selected from the group consisting of chicken, turkeys, geese, ducks, pheasants, quails, pigeons and ostriches.

According to a specific example, the vaccinating composition of the invention is intended for conferring to a turkey protective immunity against HEV. This composition comprises as active ingredient an immunologically effective amount of at least one recombinant protein comprising the HEV sequences.

Another specific example is the vaccinating composition for conferring to chicken protective immunity against EDS. This composition comprises as active ingredient an immunologically effective amount of at least one recombinant protein of the invention comprising EDS sequences.

It is to be appreciated that the compositions of the invention are intended for prevention of adenoviral pathogenic infection of an animal.

The invention further relates to a method for vaccinating an animal, and preferably a domestic bird, against a pathogenic adenoviral infection. This method comprises administering to the birds an effective immunizing amount of a vaccinating composition of the invention.

The method of the invention may be applicable for vaccinating against any adenovirus and moreover, for preventing a pathogenic infection of any adenovirus, for example, an adenoviral pathogen selected from the group consisting of HEV (Hemorrhagic enteritis virus), EDS (Egg drop syndrome virus), Celo and human adenoviruses: serotypes 1-8, 11, 14, 19, 21, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41 preferably, the avian adenoviruses HEV and EDS.

According to specifically preferred embodiment, in cases of HEV infections, the method of the invention comprises administering to the poultry an effective immunizing amount of a vaccinating composition comprising a recombinant protein comprising HEV sequences.

According to another specifically preferred embodiment, in cases of EDS infections, the method of the invention comprises administering to the poultry an effective immunizing amount of vaccinating composition comprising a recombinant protein comprising EDS sequences.

According to the method of the invention, the compositions of the invention may be administered via injection, drinking water, feed, spraying, oral gavage and directly into the digestive tract of said domestic bird.

The vaccinating compositions of the invention are administered and dosed in accordance with good veterinary practice, taking into account the clinical condition of the individual animal, the site and method of administration, scheduling of administration, the animal's age, body weight, diet and other factors, well known to the veterinary practitioner. The doses may be single doses or multiple doses and the treatment may be effected at any age and even in ovo.

Any conventional method for administering the products of the invention (e.g. the DNA sequences, the DNA constructs, or the protein or peptide product of the invention), such as tablets, suspensions, solutions, emulsions, capsules, powders, syrups, and the like may be used, as long as the biological activity of the therapeutic ingredient thereof is retained.

Administration may be oral, subcutaneous or parenteral, including intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal, intraperitoneal and intranassal administration as well as intrathecal and infusion techniques. Nevertheless, most preferred methods are oral administration and injection. Following injection, the DNA construct of the invention will circulate until it recognizes the host cell with the appropriate target specificity for infection.

The pharmaceutical forms suitable for injection use include sterile aqueous solutions, water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersions. In all cases the form must be sterile and must be fluid to the extent that easy syringability exists. It must be stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage and must be preserved against the contaminating action of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.

The prevention of the action of microorganisms can be brought about by various antibacterial and anti-fungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thimerosal, formaldehyd and the like. In many cases, it will be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars or sodium chloride.

Sterile injectable solutions are prepared by incorporating the vaccinating composition in the required amount into the appropriate solvent with various of the other ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization or emulsification. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the various sterilized active ingredients into a sterile vehicle which contains the basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above.

A number of methods of the art of molecular biology are not detailed herein, as they are well known to the person of skill in the art. Such methods include site-directed mutagenesis, PCR cloning, expression of cDNAs, analysis of recombinant proteins or peptides, transformation of bacterial and yeast cells, transfection of mammalian cells, and the like. Textbooks describing such methods are e.g., Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; ISBN: 0879693096, 1989 Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, by F. M. Ausubel, ISBN: 047150338X, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1988 and Short Protocols in Molecular Biology, by F. M. Ausubel et al. (eds.) 3^(rd) ed. John Wiley & Sons; ISBN: 0471137812, 1995. These publications are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. Furthermore, a number of immunological techniques are not in each instance described herein in detail, as they are well known to the person of skill in the art. See e.g., Current Protocols in Immunology, Coligan et al. (eds), John Wiley & Sons. Inc., New York, N.Y. All of the other publications referred to herein are also incorporated by reference in their entirety, including publications cited therein.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular examples, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such process steps and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

The following examples are thus only representative of techniques employed by the inventors in carrying out aspects of the present invention. It should be appreciated that while these techniques are exemplary of preferred embodiments for the practice of the invention, those of skill in the art, in light of the present disclosure, will recognize that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

Experimental Procedures

Viruses

-   HEV-cat 821500 ABIC ISRAEL -   EDS-76 strain, ABIC ISRAEL.     Bacterial Strains -   GI698 E. coli cells (invitrogen cat. No. K350-01) -   JM109 E. coli cells (PROMEGA cat. No. 1352391).     Vaccine -   EDS—inactivated strain EDS 76, ABIC ISRAEL -   HE—inactivated local strain, ABIC ISRAEL     Vectors -   pAL-781 the map is shown in FIG. 6 (Invitrogen cat. no. k1710-01). -   pHIL-S1 (Invitrogen cat. no. k1710-01). -   pPIC3.5K Invitrogen cat. no. k1710-01). -   pQE30 (QIAGEN cat. no. 33303)     Isolation of Virus (HEV or EDS)

Turkeys were exposed to the virulent strain of HEV. Five days later, birds were sacrificed and the spleens removed. Distilled water, twice the volume of the tissue, was added and the spleens were ground and homogenized for 5 min. To rupture the cells, the tissue homogenate was frozen and thawed three times at −70° C. and 30° C., respectively, followed by centrifugation at 10,000× g, 4° C. for 20 minutes. The supernatant was mixed with trichloro-trifluoroethane (1:3) and centrifuged at 5000× g, 4° C. for 30 minutes. The supernatant was collected and added on top of the following gradient: 12 ml of 46.2% (w/v) cesium chloride (CsCl) (density of 1.35 g/ml); 12 ml of 35% (w/v) CsCl (density of 1.24 g/ml); 6 ml of 1M sucrose. The gradient was centrifuged for 24 hrs at 85,000× g, 4° C., with SW28 rotor. The virus was isolated from a white ring that was formed between the two CsCl layers. The virus band was collected, diluted in Tris EDTA (TE), and re-pelleted by centrifugation at 26000× RPM for 2 hrs. The pellet was collected, re-suspended in distilled water and dialyzed against TE. HEV proteins were identified by SDS-PAGE. The virus was stored at −20° C. until used. The EDS virus was isolated similarly from amino-allantoic fluid of 12-days-old EDS-infected embryonated duck eggs.

Purification of Viral DNA

The virus (isolated as described herein above) was incubated for 3 hrs in a solution containing 0.01M Tris, 0.01M NaCl, 0.01M EDTA, 0.5% SDS, and 50 μg/ml proteinase K. The supernatant was collected, added to a solution containing phenol:chloroform:isoamyl-alcohol (1:1:0.25, v/v) and mixed vigorously for 30 s. After centrifugation at 18000× g 4° C. for 5 min, the supernatant was collected and viral DNA was precipitated by incubating for 20 min at −70° C. 1/10 the volume of 2 M NaCl and 2 volumes of 100% ethanol. Following centrifugation, the pellet was washed in a similar volume of 70% ethanol and re-centrifuged. The supernatant was discarded and the pellet, containing the DNA, was air-dried. The DNA was electrophoresed on a 0.8% agarose gel. The viral DNA was visualized by ethidium bromide staining.

Preparation of Recombinant Proteins

DNA sequences encoding the hexon, fiber were prepared by performing PCR reaction using the following primers:

-   5′ primer for the Fiber construct -   5′ gcg ggt acc t atg cta cac cat cac cat cac aag cga cta cgg ttg gac     3′, also denoted as SEQ ID NO. 9. -   3′ primer for the Fiber construct -   5′ ata tct aga cta ctg tgc tcc aac ata tg 3′, also denoted as SEQ ID     NO. 10. -   5′ primer for the Hexon construct -   5′ cgg ggt acc tat gga acc cca acg tg 3′, also denoted as SEQ ID NO.     11. -   3′ primer for the Hexon construct -   5′ gc tct aga tca tgt tgc tgc act acc 3′, also denoted as SEQ ID NO.     12.

The resulting PCR products were sub-cloned into pAL plasmid and the recombinant proteins were expressed in E. coli.

Dissolving Recombinant Protein from Inclusion Bodies

Lysis of transformed bacteria and release of the recombinant protein to supernatant was performed as described in literature [S. Doonan, Protein Purification Protocols, 59:33-37 (1998)]. Bacteria were treated with lysozyme, and the inclusion bodies were dissolved in 8M Urea, 50 mM Tris-HCl, 50 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA.

Recombinant proteins were optionally recovered as soluble proteins in PBS following dialysis.

ELISA

Antigens for ELISA were diluted in coating buffer (e.g. 0.05M carbonate-bicarbonate, pH=9.6), and polystyrene microtiter plates were coated with the antigens by incubation for 1 hr at 37° C. or overnight at 4° C. The antisera were diluted 1:200 by PBS with 0.1% BSA. The plates were rinsed with PBS containing 0.05% Tween 20 the sera were added to the antigen coated wells in duplicates or triplicates. After two hours at 37° C., the plates were rinsed again, and rabbit anti-chicken immunoglobulin conjugated to alkaline phosphatase [Sigma] was added. The plates were then incubated for two hours at 37° C. and rinsed again. Then a substrate, nitrophenyl phosphate, was added. The color of the solution changed to yellow in proportion to the amount of birds anti-viral antibodies. Light absorbancy was read in SLT spectra ELISA reader [Lumitron].

SDS PAGE and Western Blotting

For acrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and Western blotting, the protein preparations were boiled for 3 min. in a sample buffer containing 3% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 5% mercaptoethanol. Polypeptides were analyzed in 12% w/v polyacrylamide slab gels, using the discontinuous SDS gel system (Laemmli, U. K., Nature, 227 (1970) 680-685). In most cases, two slab gels were electrophoresed simultaneously. One was stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R, and the proteins from the second were electrotransferred on to nitrocellulose filter using a semi-dry system [bio rad]. The filters were cut into strips 5 mm (each with a different sample), and then incubated separately in the relevant sera diluted 1:200. After several washes in PBS, the filters were incubated with rabbit anti-chicken IgG-peroxidase conjugate (Sigma) diluted 1:1000, followed by incubation in the substrate solution (Sigma), 3,3′-diaminobenzidine.

Vaccination with Recombinant Proteins

The different recombinant EDS or HEV proteins, the inactivated viruses as positive controls and PBS as a negative control, were emulsified in mineral oil (Marcol 52, Esso, France) to form a 20% water-in-oil emulsion or in FCA or FIA (Freund Complete or Incomplete Adjuvant). All recombinant proteins were injected at 50μg per bird in a volume of 500μl. The emulsions were produced by a polytron apparatus (Kinematica, Kriens, Switzerland). These emulsions were injected intramuscularly into SPF (specific pathogen free) or commercial chickens, at the age of 3.5 to 6.5 weeks, or to turkeys at the age of 3-6 weeks. All birds were grown in isolation units from 1 day of age.

Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) Test

EDS fiber protein causes agglutination of red blood cells, whereas antibodies against this protein inhibit this hemagglutination. This phenomenon is used to measure the efficiency of a vaccine. The test was performed against 4 hemagglutination activity (HA) units of egg-propagated EDS virus in a 96-well microtiter plate and expressed as log2 geometric mean titer.

Virus Neutralization Test

The serum neutralization (SN) test checks the ability of antibodies produced against an antigen to prevent the penetration and propagation of a virus in cells. The sera of each group were pooled and filtered through 0.2 micron filter. EDS virus (10^(6.4) EID50/ml) was incubated for 30 min at 37° C. with an equal volume of filtered sera. The mixtures were inoculated into the allantoic cavity of six embryonated duck eggs 12 day-old which were then incubated for 7 more days and candled daily. At the end of the incubation period viral propagation was evaluated by testing hemagglutination activity (HA) in the amino-allantoic fluid. Results are expressed as percent eggs in which the virus was neutralized. Anti ND antibodies, as a negative control, caused no SN. Anti EDS antibodies, as a positive control, caused 100% serum neutralization.

Agar Gel Precipitation (AGP) Test

The test was carried out as described by Domermuth C. H. and Gross W. B. [In: Swayne D. H. editor: A Laboratory Manual for the Isolation and Identification of Avian Pathogens. Fourth edition, American association of Avian Pathologists, Kennet Square, Pa., USA, 1998: 106-110]. Briefly, agar was poured onto glass slides, after solidifying holes of 2 mm diameter were cut. Antigen, consisted of a 1:2 dilution w/v of spleen extract from HEV-infected turkeys, was put in the central well and sera samples in the peripheral wells. For detection of antigen in spleens after challenge—positive serum was placed in the central well and spleens extracts in the peripheral wells.

Example 1

Creation of the HEV Knob-s Recombinant Protein

The amino acid sequence of the HEV fiber protein may be divided into three parts as shown in FIG. 1, the amino terminal domain, the shaft domain and the knob domain. The carboxy-terminal part, referred to as “knob”, binds to target cells.

The present inventors have speculated that in order to create an efficient vaccine against the HEV, it would be advantageous to direct creation of antibodies to a specific domain of the fiber protein, the “knob”, which binds to the target cell. To enable folding of the “knob” recombinant protein in the correct conformation, 48 amino acids from the adjacent “shaft” domain of the fiber protein were added to the knob domain.

The DNA sequence that codes for the knob part of HEV fiber and adjacent 48 amino acids of shaft was isolated by PCR using as primers the sequences as denoted by SEQ ID NO: 5, 6, HEV DNA was used as a template. The PCR product was cloned into the XbaI/KpnI site of the pAL plasmid (Invitrogen). E. coli cells were transformed with pAL plasmid that carried the knob (pAL-knob). Colonies that carried the desired gene were identified and tested by PCR. The sequence of the DNA at the 5′ end was determined and was found to be in the correct reading frame.

For production of the HEV fiber knob-s recombinant protein, transformed E. coli colonies were grown overnight and induced by tryptophane. Bacteria were disrupted by sonication and the products were tested by SDS-PAGE. Identity of the desired recombinant HEV fiber knob-s protein was verified by western blot analysis using anti HEV antibodies. The recombinant protein was dissolved from inclusion bodies as described in the experimental procedures, prior to its injection (FIG. 2).

Example 2

Protection of Turkeys Against Virulent HEV by Recombinant Knob Vaccination

Efficiency of the vaccinating composition of the invention against a virulent HE virus was next tested. Thirty turkeys, in isolation units, were divided into three groups, and were injected twice intramuscularly with different antigens emulsified in Freund's Incomplete Adjuvant—1.0 ml per bird. The first injection took place at the age of four weeks and the second one at the age of 7 weeks. The birds were bled two weeks after the second inoculation (5 weeks after the first vaccination), and checked for the presence of antibodies by the Agar Gel Precipitation (AGP) test. All birds were challenged with virulent HEV and sacrificed four days later. Resistance to challenge was determined by detecting the presence or absence of HE virus in spleens of the tested birds by the AGP method, absence of virus indicates resistance of the turkey to HEV. Group one was inoculated with recombinant HEV fiber knob-s; group two was inoculated with the commercial vaccine of killed HEV virus DAMIN (BLT, Abic, Israel) as positive control; and group three with PBS buffer as negative control. Specificity of antibodies was determined by Western blot of serum proteins. As shown by Table 1 the results indicate that the HEV fiber knob-s recombinant protein of the invention, acts as a significantly efficient vaccine by protecting 100% of the vaccinated birds. Furthermore, Table 1 shows that the HEV fiber knob-s of the invention is even more efficient than the commercial vaccine.

TABLE 1 HEV fiber knob-s as protecting vaccine Group No. of Protected birds 1. HEV fiber knob-s 10/10 2. Positive control (commercial vaccine) 8/9 3. Negative control (PBS buffer)  4/10

Example 3

Recombinant HEV Fiber Knob-s Prepared as Inclusion Bodies, Efficiently Protects Vaccinated Birds

In order to further optimize the vaccinating composition of the invention, immunization of birds using HEV-Fiber knob-s recombinant protein prepared by different procedures, was next performed. Forty turkeys in isolation units, at the age of four weeks, were divided into five groups of eight birds each. The turkeys were injected once intramuscularly with antigens prepared and extracted using different procedures, or with controls, emulsified as water-in-oil emulsion (1.0 ml per bird). All birds were challenged three weeks after vaccination with virulent HEV and sacrificed four days later. Resistance to challenge was determined by detecting the presence or absence of HE virus in spleens of the tested birds by the AGP method. One group was inoculated with recombinant HEV fiber knob-s prepared as inclusion bodies, the second group was inoculated with recombinant HEV fiber knob-s prepared using urea (for inclusion bodies extraction) and dialysis, the third group was inoculated with the commercial vaccine of killed HEV virus DAMIN (BLT, Abic, Israel) as positive control, the fourth group served as a negative control and was inoculated with preparation of the empty plasmid (pQE30) and the fifth group which also served as a negative control, was inoculated with PBS buffer. Specificity of antibodies was determined by Western blot of serum proteins. As shown by Table 2, the HEV fiber knob-s recombinant protein prepared as inclusion bodies, acts as a significantly efficient vaccine by protecting 100% of the vaccinated birds. However, HEV fiber knob-s recombinant protein extracted from inclusion bodies using urea and dialysis led only to 50% protection (4 out of 8 birds). Vaccination with the commercial vaccine yielded only 75% protection (6 out of 8). As expected, vaccination with both negative controls had no protective effect. These results indicate that the HEV fiber knob-s of the invention used as inclusion bodies is more efficient than the commercial vaccine. Moreover, the efficient use of the HEV fiber knob-s recombinant protein of the invention as a crud preparation (inclusion bodies) indicates that in addition to safety and increased efficiency as a protecting vaccine, this vaccinating composition may be even less expensive compared to commercially available vaccines.

TABLE 2 HEV fiber knob-s as protecting vaccine No. of Group Protected birds HEV fiber knob-s (inclusion bodies) 8/8 HEV fiber knob-s (urea + dialysis) 4/8 Positive control (commercial vaccine) 6/8 Negative control (pQE30 without HEV fiber knob-s) 1/8 Negative control (PBS buffer) 0/8

Example 4

Creation of the EDS Knob-s Recombinant Protein

Similarly to HEV, the amino acid sequence of the EDS fiber protein may be divided into three parts as shown in FIG. 3, the amino terminal domain, the shaft domain and the knob domain which binds to the target cell.

To create an efficient vaccine against the EDS, a recombinant EDS fiber knob-s protein was designed, similarly to the HEV fiber knob-s (described above). To enable folding of the “knob” recombinant protein in the correct conformation, 34 amino acids from the adjacent “shaft” domain of the fiber protein were added to the knob domain.

The DNA sequence that codes for the knob part of EDS fiber and adjacent 34 amino acids of shaft was isolated by PCR using primers as denoted by SEQ ID NO: 7 and 8 (sequence listing), EDS DNA was used as a template. The PCR product was cloned into KpnI and XbaI sites in the pAL plasmid and recombinant plasmid was transformed into GI698 E. coli cells (Invitrogen) according to kit instruction. Colonies that carried the desired gene were identified and tested by PCR and by analysis with restriction enzymes. The sequences of two of the colonies were determined and the reading frame and the gene were found to be correct.

One liter of induction medium was inoculated by a transformed colony of E. coli. Expression induced by tryptophan and cells were harvested after three hours. Bacteria were disrupted by sonication and centrifuged. Inclusion bodies were dissolved as described in the experimental procedures. The recombinant protein was characterized by SDS-PAGE and as expected, the size of knob-s was 28 kD (FIG. 4).

Example 5

Vaccination with Recombinant EDS Proteins

Fiber protein of EDS causes agglutination of red blood cells, whereas antibodies against the fiber protein inhibit this haemagglutination. These phenomena can be used for measuring efficiency of the vaccination. In addition, serum neutralization test (SN) checks the ability of antibodies produced against an antigen, to prevent the penetration and propagation of a virus in cells.

Therefore, three different EDS recombinant proteins, Hexon, Fiber and the recombinant protein of the invention, Fiber knob-s (that were prepared as described in experimental procedures), as well as a commercial vaccine as a positive control [inactivated strain EDS 76, ABIC ISRAEL] were injected twice (first injection at the age of 3.5 weeks and the second at 7.5 weeks) to Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) chicken, and the efficacy of protection was tested by haemagglutination inhibition and serum neutralization tests, as described above.

The fiber protein induced production of antibodies that cause HI [haemagglutination inhibition], when injected by itself or in combination with recombinant hexon. However, in the form of inclusion bodies, the fiber protein did not yield HI antibodies.

Sera for the HI test were tested 3 and 5 weeks after first vaccination. As shown in Table 3, results of the haemagglutination inhibition test showed that EDS fiber knob-s [E-knob-s] induced high levels of HI antibodies, particularly as compared to hexon and fiber that induced lower levels of HI antibodies.

For the serum neutralization test, sera taken five weeks after vaccination from birds of the different test groups, were incubated with the EDS virus. This mixture was then inoculated into the allantoic cavity of six 12-days-old embryonated duck eggs as described As shown by Table 3 (column SN), the anti EDS fiber knob-s and the positive control [commercial vaccine] showed 100% neutralization of the virus. Anti-hexon and anti-fiber antibodies showed a very weak serum-neutralization effect.

TABLE 3 Efficiency of recombinant proteins in haemagglutination inhibition test and in serum neutralization test HI antibodies SN Vaccine 3 wk 5 wk % neut. Hexon 1.9 4.7 16 Fiber 3.1 6.3 33 E-knob-s 8.1 9.7 100 EDS 8.6 11.3 100 Unvac. 2.6 3.3 33

Antibodies created in the sera of birds that were vaccinated with different recombinant proteins, were further analyzed by Western blot (FIG. 5). Whole virus was used as antigen, and the nitrocellulose strips were incubated with pools of serum obtained from the different test groups. As shown by FIG. 5, birds that were vaccinated with whole EDS virus extract or recombinant antigens of the virus produced in E. coli developed antibodies which recognize the viral proteins on the Western blot strip, at the expected size.

Thus, vaccinating birds using the knob-s recombinant protein of the invention induced production of specific antibodies against EDS virus. Moreover, use of the partial recombinant fiber protein (knob-s) of the invention, was significantly more efficient than the whole fiber protein (Table 3).

Example 6

The EDS Knob-s Recombinant Protein of the Invention Efficiently Vaccinate Commercial Birds Using One Injection

The efficiency of EDS vaccinating composition of the invention, as well as different procedures of preparation were further analyzed by vaccinating commercial light breed chickens (Hafetz Haim hatchery, ISRAEL) placed at 1 day of age in isolation units.

Five groups of twelve 4 weeks old commercial chickens each were injected once with the following antigens: birds in group one were injected with the EDS Fiber knob-s recombinant protein (50 μg/bird) prepared using urea without dialysis (inclusion bodies were dissolved using 8M urea as indicated in experimental procedures), birds in group two were injected with EDS Fiber knob-s recombinant protein (50 μg/bird) prepared using urea with dialysis, birds in group three were injected with recombinant protein isolated from the sonicated bacteria as a pellet of inclusion bodies, birds of group four were injected with commercial vaccine as a positive control and the fifth group served as negative control (un-injected). Sera of the vaccinated birds from the different test groups were tested 3 and 5 weeks after vaccination, by HI and SN (using 12 days old duck eggs, as described in experimental procedures).

As shown by Table 4, vaccination using the EDS Fiber knob-s recombinant protein prepared using urea and dialysis (group two), induced efficient production of antibodies, as was shown by both HI and SN tests, 3 and 5 weeks post vaccination. However, vaccination with preparation of recombinant protein without dialysis (group one), showed low creation of antibodies as indicated by the HI test and no serum inhibition (the SN test). These results indicate that in the presence of urea, the conformation of the recombinant protein is less immunogenic. Interestingly, the vaccinating preparation as inclusion bodies (group three) induced efficient production of antibodies, as revealed by HI test performed 3 and 5 weeks post vaccination, however, these antibodies were less efficient in the SN test (33% and 66% inhibition 3 and 5 weeks post vaccination, respectively).

In summary, the EDS Fiber knob-s recombinant protein of the invention can efficiently vaccinate commercial birds even following only one vaccination.

TABLE 4 Efficiency of different preparations of the recombinant proteins in vaccinating commercial birds as indicated by haemagglutination test and serum neutralization test HI antibodies SN % neut Vaccine 3 wk 5 wk 3 wk 5 wk 1. E-knob-s + urea 2.9 3.8 0 0 2. E-knob-s + urea + dialysis 6.8 5.6 100 100 3. E-knob-s-inclusion bodies 6.1 5.9 33-50 66-100 4. EDS 6.1 6.4 100 100 5. Unvac. 0.9 0 16 0 

1. An isolated nucleic acid consisting of nucleotides in a sequence encoding a fragment of an adenovirus fiber capsid protein, wherein the fragment consists of the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 48 amino acids of the shaft domain of the HEV fiber capsid protein, and the sequence of the nucleic acid is denoted by SEQ ID NO: 1, or wherein the fragment consists of the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 34 amino acids of the shaft domain of the EDS fiber capsid protein, and the sequence of the nucleic acid is denoted by SEQ ID NO:
 2. 2. The isolated nucleic acid of claim 1, consisting of nucleotides in a sequence encoding a fragment which consists of the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 48 amino acids of the shaft domain of the HEV fiber capsid protein, and the sequence of the nucleic acid is denoted by SEQ ID NO:
 1. 3. The isolated nucleic acid of claim 1, consisting of nucleotides in a sequence encoding a fragment which consists of the C-terminal knob domain and 34 amino acids of the shaft domain of the EDS fiber capsid protein, and the sequence of the nucleic acid is denoted by SEQ ID NO:
 2. 4. A DNA construct comprising a replicable expression vector and at least one heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding only a fragment of an adenovirus fiber capsid protein, wherein the fragment consists of the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 48 amino acids of the shaft domain of an HEV fiber capsid protein, and the nucleotide sequence is denoted by SEQ ID NO: 1, or wherein the fragment consists of the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 34 amino acids of the shaft domain of EDS fiber capsid protein, and the nucleotide sequence is denoted by SEQ ID NO:
 2. 5. The DNA construct of claim 4, wherein the nucleotide sequence encodes only a fragment which consists of the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 48 amino acids of the shaft domain of an HEV fiber capsid protein, and the sequence of the nucleic acid is denoted by SEQ ID NO:
 1. 6. The DNA construct of claim 4, wherein the nucleotide sequence encodes only a fragment which consists of the C-terminal knob domain and the adjacent 34 amino acids of the shaft domain of EDS fiber capsid protein, and the sequence of the nucleic acid is denoted by SEQ ID NO:
 2. 7. The DNA construct of claim 4, wherein the expression vector is selected from the group consisting of Fowlpox virus, vaccinia virus, Marek disease virus, baculovirus and bacterial, yeast and plants plasmids.
 8. The DNA construct of claim 7, wherein the expression vector is the Fowlpox virus.
 9. A transgenic host cell transformed with the DNA construct of claim
 4. 10. The transgenic host cell of claim 9, wherein the cell produces a biologically active protein encoded by the nucleic acid, which protein elicits in an animal protective immunity against a specific adenoviral pathogen.
 11. A composition comprising an immunologically effective amount of the DNA construct of claim 4 and a veterinarily acceptable carrier, adjuvant, diluent and/or excipient.
 12. A method for vaccinating a domestic bird against a pathogenic adenoviral infection, wherein said pathogen is HEV (Hemorrhagic enteritis virus) or EDS virus (Egg Drop Syndrome virus), said method comprising administering to the domestic bird an effective immunizing amount of the composition of claim
 11. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the composition is administered via injection, drinking water, feed, spraying, oral gavage and directly into the digestive tract of said domestic bird. 